Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Article & photos by Gail K.
Many of us are familiar with Hidden Lake Gardens-before I take you outside for some much needed ZEN– let me share just a couple of indoor pictures from the Arid Dome-
As a bonus, the plants in this area were also in bloom–

ABOVE: based on the white color, who may be the pollinator for that cactus???

Who needs to bloom when you look like this??

Recalling the 2019 Polar Vortex–the tropic dome in its current state.

HLG lost many plants in that weather event. Dedicated to get that area restored-what a project!!
Leaving the arboretum-; once outside, signs of the spring awakening- LOOK at this magnificent Witch hazel outside the visitor center.

Hiding among the last fallen leaves of fall–Snowdrops

and this interesting plant–I don’t know the name. A good homework project–who can name this plant???

As I begin my “car” adventure note all the snowdrops which blanket the ground in the hillside Hosta Gardens.

Makes a nice grouping and the Hosta are still asleep so this is a great way to have a seasonal interest in this large area.

At the edge of the arboretum parking lot– a clustering of Witch hazel- such vibrant colors for an otherwise dull time of the year…

Now you know me-drawn to the water I got out of the car. Watching my steps,I spotted in the leaves these hidden gems.

Maybe Jennie can ID these, I don’t know??

I wish for you all some calm sense of ZEN-I can’t give you smell or sound so you will have to take a moment to close your eyes with each picture & just imagine. Are those frogs I hear??

“ONLY THOSE WHO WANDER FIND NEW PATHS”
Norwegian Proverb

Smell the heavy, musty aroma in the moisture hanging in the air
So alone and yet peaceful:


“PURSUE SOME PATH, HOWEVER NARROW AND CROOKED, IN WHICH YOU CAN WALK WITH LOVE AND REVERENCE”
Henry David Thoreau

“IF THE PATH BE BEAUTIFUL, LET US NOT ASK WHERE IT LEADS”
Anatole France


Have you ever wondered why?
Who may have been here before you?

Standing on the crest of this hill- shhh-listen-music;so thankful for our many birds

Art by nature: Just one of many

If a tree falls in the forest—and no one is there Does it make a sound??

Folks-I hope you were able to sense the calm. You too can experience this—from the luxury of your car;
making this a “safe endeavor” at this time–

I would encourage you to go & enjoy. When able, I pulled over & parked—got out and truly appreciated
all that my senses could take in, at that moment in time…. ALONE.
Peace g